For the latest Sorento, Kia a few of the elements from the Cross GT concept and adapts them for the road. The production model has the brand's familiar mesh grille up front and headlights that wrap around the body with large foglights below. It features a modified version of the concept's swept-back stance that thankfully removes the awkwardness from the original design. Kia says that shaping the latest crossover was truly a global effort with input coming from Korea, Germany and the US.
For Europe, powertrains amount to a trio of four-cylinder engines with a 2.4-liter gasoline unit with 185 horsepower, a 2.0-liter diesel with 182 hp and 2.2-liter diesel with 197 hp. They're all available with a six-speed automatic, and a six-speed manual is offered on the petrol mill and 2.2-liter oil-burner.
Both five- and seven-seat variants are both available in Europe, but the exterior dimensions are the same either way. The new model grows by about 3.7 inches overall with roughly three inches more wheelbase. All of the extra length translates to more room to haul stuff inside with Kia claiming over 17 percent more cargo room than before with the third row folded down, plus new under-floor storage compartment.
Kia is definitely showing a big focus on styling and design for the new Sorento. With the crossover market getting so packed, every model has to find some way to stand out from the crowd.
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